Trip Guide: North Macedonia Multi-Activity Adventure

Spend a week in North Macedonia, one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. eBike through a national park, paddleboard to beaches you can only reach by water, and hike to a summit with two countries stretched out below you. In between, enjoy fresh local dishes served up in villages that barely appear on a map, learn all about Macedonian wine, and meet a small group of women who came here for exactly the same reasons you did.

Although you’ll be by beautiful Lake Ohrid, this isn’t a quiet beach trip. Each day you’ll try a new activity, seeing the area from a fresh perspective every time. Any achy muscles can also be stretched and ironed out with daily yoga overlooking the water.

Seven days, three activities, one destination made for adventure.

Getting There

Fly into Tirana Airport (TIA) in Albania. From there, jump on the group transfer, which takes you across the border and directly to your trip start point on the shores of Lake Ohrid, around a 2.5-hour drive through beautiful scenery.

The transfer is a mid-afternoon pick-up at Tirana Airport. There are several direct flights from the UK, and Tirana is a great spot to overnight if you have time before the trip.

Fitness & Skill Level

This trip is rated moderate and is designed to be accessible to all experience levels, but don’t let that fool you. You’ll be active every single day across five consecutive days, taking on different activities with a different set of physical demands. No prior experience in eBiking, paddleboarding, or yoga is needed, but a solid baseline of fitness is essential.

Here’s what the week involves:

• • eBike 24km with 450m of elevation gain and loss through Galichica National Park
  • A hike starting a 1,600m, climbing to 2,263m, the highest point in the park
  • A 16km hike with 900m of elevation gain, summiting at 2,260m
  • Two SUP days exploring the rocky coastline and hidden beaches of Lake Ohrid
  • Daily yoga sessions to keep your body moving and your muscles from staging a revolt

Fitness Requirements

Cardio: You need to be able to sustain moderate-to-high intensity activity for several hours at a stretch. Build up to this with regular running, cycling, hiking, or exercise classes in the lead-up to the trip.

Hiking-specific prep: The two summit hikes are the most demanding days on the trip, particularly the Black Rock trek where you’ll tackle 900m of elevation gain. Get out on hilly terrain before you arrive and practise on rocky, uneven ground if you can. Confidence on your feet across varied terrain matters as much as raw fitness.

Other considerations: You need to be able to ride a bike to join the eBike day – the motor helps with the climbs, but doesn’t replace the need to pedal and balance. Our eBikes can carry up to 120kg. For the paddleboarding days, you must be able to swim and be confident in the water.

Sleep & Eat

You’ll spend the first five nights at a family-run guesthouse on the edge of Galichica National Park, right on the shores of Lake Ohrid. It’s rustic, full of character, and the kind of place where you’ll eat homemade Macedonian food and watch the sun go down over the lake from the terrace. On night six, you’ll move to a cosy mountain resort tucked into the hillside at the foot of the Jablanica mountain range. Both twin and private rooms are available, although we have a limited number of each room option. There’s no single supplement.

Food is a genuine highlight of this trip. Expect fresh, locally sourced Macedonian cooking throughout the week, including hearty, filling dishes built around fresh fruit and vegetables, pies, meat, cheeses, and pulses, all served in the middle of the table to share. Highlights include a lakeside dinner paired with a proper introduction to Macedonian wine, and a hands-on session as you learn how to cook a traditional Macedonian dish. All meals are included every day. From arrival dinner to breakfast on the final day.

Most dietary requirements can be accommodated, although options may be more limited than you’re used to, especially for vegans. Let the bookings team know before you arrive.

Weather

The trip runs in late summer, when North Macedonia is warm and dry at lake level, although it can be cooler in the mountains. Afternoon showers are also possible at altitude, so pack for all weathers.

Take sun safety seriously throughout the trip, but especially on the SUP days as the sun’s rays will reflect off the water and cause you to burn quicker.

Your guides will always manage the trip with safety as the first priority. If conditions mean an activity needs to be adjusted or rescheduled, that call will be made on the day.

Good to Know

Money: Credit and debit cards work almost everywhere, but carry some North Macedonia Denar (MKD) for small personal expenses. It’s not an expensive destination – you won’t need much extra cash beyond souvenirs or additional drinks with meals.

Communication: WiFi is available at both hotels but can be patchy in these remote mountain locations. Mobile phone coverage varies in the national parks. Consider it a chance to properly disconnect and focus on the incredible scenery around you.

Emergency communication is handled through your guide who has local knowledge and contacts. The Gutsy Girls host ensures smooth logistics and acts as your main point of contact for any trip-related needs.

Local Customs: North Macedonia is welcoming and straightforward for visitors. No special cultural considerations affect your hiking experience, though learning a few basic words in Macedonian is always appreciated by locals.

Packing List

What We Provide

• • eBikes and helmets
  • Paddleboards and paddles
  • SUP safety equipment
  • Yoga mats

What You Need to Bring

Essential Activity Clothing:

• • Hiking boots (mandatory, broken in, with ankle support)
  • Moisture-wicking base layers (merino or synthetic, no cotton)
  • Quick dry t-shirts
  • Light fleece or jumper midlayer
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Quick-dry shorts or leggings
  • Swimwear
  • Light-weight top or rash vest and shorts for on the water (optional)
  • Water shoes or sandals
  • Warm layer for mountain evenings
  • Comfortable clothes for evenings
  • Sandals or trainers
  • Nightwear

Evening clothes:

• • Warm layer for mountain evenings
  • Comfortable clothes for evenings
  • Water shoes or sandals
  • Sandals or trainers

Personal Kit:

• • 15–20 litre daypack
  • Reusable water bottle (minimum 1.5 litres)
  • High SPF sun cream and lip protection
  • Sunglasses and sun hat
  • Dry bag for phone and valuables (optional but advised)
  • Snacks
  • Personal medication
  • Insect repellent
  • Small first aid kit (optional)
  • Floating sunglasses strap (optional)
  • Waterproof phone cover

Packing Tips

Layering is key on this trip. Down by the lake you’ll be warm, but the two summit hikes can take you into a different weather climate entirely. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, merino or synthetic, never cotton, then add a light fleece midlayer and pack a waterproof shell in your daypack just in case.

Footwear: Hiking boots with proper ankle support are essential for the two hikes as the terrain is rocky, uneven, and involves significant elevation. Broken-in boots are non-negotiable, as brand new boots on a 16km mountain hike is a bad idea. Bring water shoes or sandals too for the SUP and beach days.

Day pack: A 15–20 litre daypack is ideal for carrying layers, water, snacks, sunscreen, and anything else you need out on the trail or on the water each day.

For the SUP days you will get wet, so a swimsuit or quick-dry shorts and a rash vest or lightweight top work well. Also bring a dry bag for your phone, sunscreen and anything else you don’t want soaked.

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